Square spaghetti with fresh sauce and mozzarella
- Vegetarian
- Energy Kcal 481
- Carbohydrates g 70.1
- of which sugars g 6.1
- Protein g 21.8
- Fats g 12.7
- of which saturated fat g 7.23
- Fiber g 3.6
- Cholesterol mg 29
- Sodium mg 427
- Difficulty: Very easy
- Prep time: 15 min
- Cook time: 35 min
- Serving: 4
- Cost: Very low
PRESENTATION
Square spaghetti, or "spaghetti quadrati" as they say in Italy, is such a cool twist on pasta shapes. It takes its cue from the classic spaghetti alla chitarra you'll find around Central Italy. So here's the thing: those edges? They’re perfect for clinging to fresh tomato sauce. When cherry tomatoes hit their sweet spot in the summer, Italians go for a splash of olive oil and fresh basil. Really, it’s all about keeping it light, letting those tender tomatoes shine through—so so fresh.
Now, the magic part: chunky mozzarella cheese on top. Each forkful gives you that creamy, moist melt. And it mingles with the juicy tomatoes and hearty pasta. Seriously good. In Central Italy, especially when it's warm, this dish is everywhere because it lets seasonal ingredients really shine. The combination of fresh tomato sauce, square spaghetti, and mozzarella cheese is simple yet has this rustic flair.
And look, unlike tonnarelli, another traditional noodle, square spaghetti has a rough surface that grabs all those golden bits of sauce. Adding fresh basil? Which is great—boosts the aroma and makes the dish smell so fresh and inviting. It’s the kind of meal you’d wanna share with friends on a warm day. Pretty simple, right? And really really delicious.
Recipes like this show why Italian pasta recipes are amazing. High-quality ingredients, keeping it simple, and letting those flavors be different. Whether it’s a light lunch or a starter for a bigger meal, this mozzarella-topped pasta is gonna make your summer dining fun and a bit crispy around the edges. Plus, it totally embraces traditional Italian culinary wisdom, showing how simplicity and quality can create something memorable. And you know what? Can't go wrong with that.
- INGREDIENTS
- Spaghetti Quadrati pasta 11.3 oz (320 g)
- Cherry tomatoes 3 ½ cups (500 g)
- Mozzarella cheese 2 cups (250 g)
- Basil 2 tbsp (10 g)
- Fine salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Garlic 1 clove
How to prepare Square spaghetti with fresh sauce and mozzarella
To prepare the square spaghetti with fresh sauce and mozzarella, start by cutting the cherry tomatoes into quarters 1. Pour the oil along with the garlic clove into a pan and let it brown over moderate heat, then remove it 2 and add the cherry tomatoes 3.
Adjust with salt and pepper 4 and let cook for 20 minutes over low heat. Once cooked, add the torn basil 5. At this point, cook the square spaghetti in plenty of boiling water, salted to taste 6.
Meanwhile, cut the mozzarella into 1/5 inch cubes 7. Drain the pasta al dente 8 and pour it directly into the sauce 9.
Finish cooking for a couple of minutes, turn off the heat and add the mozzarella cubes 10, stir just enough to combine the ingredients, without melting the mozzarella 11, and serve your square spaghetti with fresh sauce and mozzarella 12.